Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and Buddhism

“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.”

Vesak is a full moon day tonight! Always associated with the grand celebrations we saw during the six years in Singapore. At several public places, it’s a carnival-like atmosphere, where thousands gather to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. (All on the same day.)

In 2007, Ngee-Ann City fountain on Orchard Road was one of the venues. We lived just around the corner and saw the place being setup over a few days. When finished, it was so very beautiful. Engaging for both the young and old, yet filled with the dignity and peace of the Buddha.

Siddharth at Vesak in Singapore, May 2007

Indian Army Discharge Certificate

Ever seen a pre-Independence Certificate of Discharge/Release from the Indian Army?

My maternal grandfather, Ananthan Nair, worked in The Survey of India. I think this might have been the only employer he served all through his working life.

Paanch Saal Kejriwal!

It’s so good to see the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Arvind Kejriwal back in Delhi. Muffler-man, AK-49, Cough Syrup, naxalite, I-Run man… call him what you will. It has been a run-away victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections.

Results on TV, Feb 10 2015

Remembering Grandpa

21st June was usually “get-together day” for the CS Ananthan Nair family. If it was a holiday, it was lunch that went into tea. Otherwise, tea that eventually carried on till dinner. Apart from being the longest day of the year, it was a special day that we all looked forward to, my grandpa’s birthday. When he turned 80, we had a bit of a big celebration, where we called all his relatives, friends and neighbours. Grandpa would have been 106 today. And in a week it would be 10 years since he moved on.

Grandpa’s obituary card, June 2004

Housekeeping!

ION Orchard, Singapore, Aug 2009